The cost of higher education has risen dramatically in recent decades, making it increasingly difficult for many students to afford college. As a result, many students are forced to take on significant debt in order to pursue a degree, which can have long-lasting financial consequences. In this essay, I will argue that college tuition should be free, and provide evidence to support this claim.
One of the main arguments in favor of free college tuition is that it would increase access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2018, only 14% of students from families with incomes below $30,000 per year enrolled in a four-year college, compared to 77% of students from families with incomes over $100,000 per year. This disparity is largely due to
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As Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent advocate for free college tuition, has argued: "Higher education in America should be a right for all, not a privilege for the few."
In addition to increasing access to higher education, free college tuition could also help to reduce student debt. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, in 2019, the average student loan debt for graduates of public and private nonprofit colleges was $28,950 and $32,750, respectively. This debt can be a significant burden for recent graduates, limiting their ability to pursue certain career paths or purchase homes or other assets.
By eliminating tuition costs, students would be able to graduate with less debt, allowing them to start their careers with greater financial stability. This could in turn have positive economic impacts, as graduates would be more likely to make investments, purchase homes, and contribute to their local